Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Russia on Monday as peace efforts between Tehran and Washington hung in the balance, following a wave of regional diplomacy and the collapse of planned talks in Pakistan.
Abbas Araghchi arrived in Saint Petersburg, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on Telegram, where he is expected to meet Vladimir Putin.
The visit follows Araghchi’s stop in Oman between trips to Islamabad, as mediators work to keep US–Iran peace talks alive.
On Saturday, Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit to Islamabad by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
In a sign that diplomatic efforts are continuing, the Fars news agency reported that Iran sent “written messages” to the United States via mediator Pakistan, outlining red lines on key issues, including nuclear matters and the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Fars clarified that these messages were not part of formal negotiations.
US outlet Axios reported on Sunday that Iran had sent a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war, while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, citing a US official and two informed sources.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA cited the report without denying it.
A ceasefire in the US–Israeli war with Iran has so far held, but its economic shockwaves continue to ripple globally.
Iran has sealed off the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting the flow of oil, gas, and fertiliser, sending prices sharply higher and raising fears of food insecurity in developing countries. At the same time, the United States has imposed a blockade on the strait.
Hopes for a second round of talks in Pakistan were tied to the planned visit of Witkoff and Kushner, but Trump cancelled the trip after Iranian state television said Araghchi would not meet US officials there.
On Sunday, Trump told Fox News: “If Iran wants talks, they can come to us, or they can call us.”
Trump is also facing domestic pressure as fuel prices rise following Iran’s closure of Hormuz, with midterm elections approaching in November and polls showing the war is unpopular among Americans.
Safe Transit
When asked whether cancelling the visit signalled renewed conflict, Trump said: “No, it doesn’t mean that.”
On Saturday, Araghchi met Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar, before travelling to Oman and returning to Islamabad.
He later departed for Russia for talks with senior officials, according to his ministry.
Russian and Iranian state media confirmed Araghchi’s meeting with Putin, citing officials from both governments.
Araghchi wrote on X that talks in Oman focused on ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, “to the benefit of all dear neighbours and the world.”
He added: “Our neighbours are our priority.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated they have no intention of lifting the blockade, which has unsettled global energy markets.
They declared: “Controlling the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining its deterrent effect over America and its regional allies is the definitive strategy of Islamic Iran.”
The United States, in response, has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Israel Strikes Lebanon
Israel and Hezbollah traded accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, with Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the military is “vigorously” targeting the Iran-backed group.
Hezbollah had entered the conflict on March 2 by firing rockets into Israel, claiming retaliation for the killing of Ali Khamenei, which prompted Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive.
Despite a 10-day ceasefire agreed earlier this month, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations.
Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting that Hezbollah’s actions were “dismantling the ceasefire”, while Hezbollah warned it would respond to Israeli attacks and ongoing “occupation.”
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed 14 people, including two women and two children, and wounded 37 others.
The state-run National News Agency said Israeli warplanes struck after evacuation warnings in Kfar Tibnit.
Another strike on Zawtar al-Sharqiyah destroyed a mosque and a religious building, according to the agency.
Israel, which also reported one soldier killed in combat in southern Lebanon, says it retains the right to act against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.”
Netanyahu stated: “This means freedom of action not only to respond to attacks, but also to pre-empt immediate and even emerging threats.”